As you’ll probably already know, Ross McCormack, Gary Gardner, Aaron Tshibola and Tommy Elphick have not travelled with the squad for the Germany trip.
It seems some people are quite surprised about it, but I really can’t see why?

McCormack’s position at the club is quite simply untenable in my opinion, as although there was a PR job by Steve Bruce suggesting the player was getting a second chance etc, to me it was always rubbish. I don’t think for one minute the player would forgive the manager after “Gate-gate” and he quite simply wants out at any cost.
The only question for me is how much we’ll be able to get for him.
£7 million maybe, at a push?
Another big fat loss, but equally fat wages off the books.

Gary Gardner is another one that doesn’t surprise me in the slightest.
As much as I’ve wanted him to come good for us, as he’s “one of our own”, the actual fact is he’s been poor whenever he’s played for us under Bruce and that’s the only thing the manager will have seen.
It’s a shame, as I’m sure there is a decent player in there, but there’s too much competition in midfield and I just don’t see where Gardner will get a game.
I’ve just read an article that suggests Rangers ought to go for him and I’d say that’s a great shout, because just as we all knew Sinclair would shine in Scotland, so you can see Gardner doing the same.
Fee? I’d guess at £1 million.

Tshibola was loaned out by Bruce at the first opportunity and although I don’t think he’s been given enough of a chance, it would seem Bruce doesn’t rate him at all.
I’m not sure who would want to buy him, but it certainly won’t be anywhere near the supposed £5 million we paid (another shocking bit of business) and he’ll more likely go out on loan.

And Elphick is leaving, another one we pretty much already know.
This is probably the one that surprises the most (but not much), as although there’s been plenty of speculation and it looks odds on that melted-welly face will sign him, so I’m not convinced letting him go is a good idea.
Surely he’s excellent back-up after all?
I suppose he wants to play regularly though and you can’t blame him.
Fee?
£2 to 2.5 million I would hope and another fat wage off the books.

That’s all speculation on my part though and it may well simply be down to one or more of those players having a knock or personal issue or something, but certainly none of them surprise me.

Cissokho and Veretout haven’t travelled either, but again, they’re certs to be gone.
With the latter, it was interesting to read that it was indeed the club that pulled his move to St Etienne and not the player himself (thanks for that heads up “Giddyvillan”).
I unreservedly apologise for slating him on my first impressions of the story and at the end of the day if there have been better offers for his services, the club quite simply has to go with them.
It was also interesting to see that the French club were very quick to blame the player himself though.
I still suspect he might end up there, as I reckon that’s the move he wants.

A lot of positives today. Hogan back amongst the goals, the new signings settling in well. Terry is gonna be a real asset. I really liked the look of that Whelan/Lansbury partnership in the second game, and I’m warming to Samba more and more with each game! I know he’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I have a special mention for Bjarnasson. He played with some intent today and really put himself about. He always does the latter really but the quality is sometimes missing, but not today. Even with the position change his performance never faultered. More of that please, will always have room for a player like this at the club!!

anybody think grealish might be a decent second striker. or just the attacking midfielder. i am preferring him playing down the middle. he is harder to pick up for the opposition. he does have a decent shot on him, seems to be stronger now and he is so hard to stop when he is running at you. especially when hes heading into the box